Improved Genetic Models for Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer

The major types of non-small-cell lung cancers (squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma) have unique mutational drivers, that result in tumors with distinct immune microenvironments. Issues of high interest include identifying the transcription factors that determine the differences between squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma, and whether and how these two tumor types interact with and impact the immune system. To address this issue, Oliver and colleagues developed a genetic model of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC)-squamous cell carcinoma and used the model to show how lineage-defining transcription factors such as Sox2 and NKX2-1 activate genes and pathways that determine different tumor immune microenvironments.